De Boer signs new deal

Frank de Boer has ended speculation about his future by penning a new four-year contract with Eredivisie champions Ajax.

De Boer had been linked with the vacant manager's job at Manchester City, which seems certain to go to Manuel Pellegrini, and is viewed as one of the most promising young coaches in Europe.

The 43-year-old moved up from being head of the Ajax Academy in 2010 to manage the first team, and has won the Dutch title in each of the three seasons he has been in charge.

He also turned down the chance of talks over the Liverpool job before Brendan Rodgers was installed as their coach.

The former Netherlands international told the club's official website: "This new contract is exactly what I wanted. I'm here enjoying myself and my family is happy here. I see enough challenges here.

"We reached an agreement quickly, because of both sides, we are very satisfied. Now I can follow up on where we are with each other and I have started looking forward to it.''

Ajax director of football Marc Overmars added: "It's no surprise that we wanted to extend Frank's contract. That we have come to an agreement after a conversation says it all. It is good for Ajax that Frank remains connected to the club.''

The defender rose through the Ajax youth ranks before making 400 appearances for the first team. He also played for Rangers, Galatasaray and Al-Rayyan, won five Eredivisie titles, two KNVB Cups, the Champions League and UEFA Cup and also a La Liga title with Barcelona.

De Boer won 112 caps for Netherlands, playing both in the World Cup and European Championships.

He was also assistant to
Bert van Marwijk when Netherlands finished runners-up in the 2010 World Cup in South
Africa, losing 1-0 to Spain in the final.